WILL - Women Interested in Leaving Law

Find What Lights You Up With Marla Tseng

Imagine going from big law to an in-house role, that’s just as pressured and demanding.
Imagine that you long for more connection and meaning in your work. 
Imagine discovering your passion for Human Design and astrology.  You think this is the direction you want to pivot towards, but you’re scared as heck!  What will other people think?
Imagine finding the support of others and summoning the courage to post about starting your astrology business on your socials.  (And only hearing positive things back!)
This is the story of WILL Alum Marla Tseng.  She shares how WILL helped her navigate from a high-pressure in-house role to become a Human Design and Astrology practitioner.
Marla left the practice of law in 2023 and set up her own human design and astrology business, and now helps others with what she has given herself - to align with what lights them up!
In this episode, she talks through:
What led her to leave law and enroll in WILL Transform.
Her love of human design and astrology and an introduction into human design 'types'.
How she works with clients.
Marla Tseng uses human design and astrology to help unhappy professionals figure out the type of work that lights them up. She also uses Human Design to help corporate teams improve their collaboration. With her background as a lawyer in the corporate world for nearly 14 years, Marla now bridges the professional and metaphysical worlds, bringing a grounded, strategic, and heart-centered approach to her work with clients. 
 
Connect with Marla
IG: @marlajtseng
www.manyworldsmanypossibilities.com
 
The WILL Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst.  This podcast is more than a good listen — it may inspire you.  As WILL Alumni and Guests break the confines of traditional practice, you’ll see that change is not just possible for them, but for you too. 
 
Feel stuck, unhappy and ready to explore a WILL journey of your own?
Book your consultation with Elena: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call
 
Follow
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/ 
Instagram: www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw
Web: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com
 
References
WILL Transform
Meredith chose the Transform VIP program, which included 1:1 coaching with Elena Deutsch. The WILL Transform Program is a comprehensive 6-month program designed specifically for busy women lawyers. It provides the support you need to make a meaningful career change. Learn more here: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/services/
Jenny McKee, Skywhispers Astrology www.skywhispersastrology.com
The Gene Keys https://home.genekeys.com/ 

From Perfectionist to Positive Psychology Coach with Jordana Confino

Imagine hitting burnout not once, but twice. The second time, you crash so hard, despite making many positive changes, you can’t walk!
Imagine being an A+ perfectionist and battling daily with your inner critic and people-pleasing tendencies.
Imagine meeting a therapist that finally switched you on to your values (and how everything you were doing was not in alignment with them).
Now imagine turning your crash and burn into becoming a “compassionate coach”. You now help women lawyers get out of their own way, learn how to be self-compassionate and create fulfilling mindsets.
You’ll love hearing how Jordana Confino went from lawyer to recovering-perfectionist and positive psychology coach. She shares how her personal experiences with burnout and physical pain helped her become the compassionate and successful coach she is today.
 
Jordana - profile and where to find her
Jordana is a certified professional coach, Positive Lawyering professor, and founder of JC Coaching & Consulting, a company devoted to helping lawyers and other high-achieving professionals get out of their own way so they can enjoy greater satisfaction and sustainable success in their lives and work.
As a self-described “recovering Type A+ perfectionist” herself, Jordana knows that many high-achieving, successful people hold limiting beliefs that prevent them from truly flourishing. Until fairly recently, she was one of them. But Jordana transformed her life leveraging the science of positive psychology and human motivation theory, and she is passionate about helping others do the same.
Website: https://www.jordanaconfino.com/
Self-Compassion Guide: https://www.jordanaconfino.com/self-compassion-guide
Values Discovery Guide: https://www.jordanaconfino.com/values
 
The WILL Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated guide for women lawyers. This podcast is more than a good listen — it may inspire you.  WILL Alumni and Guests break the confines of traditional practice, and you’ll see that change is not just possible for them, but for you too. 
 
Feel stuck, unhappy and ready to explore a WILL journey of your own?
Book your consultation with Elena: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call
 
Summer SOULstice Wooshop
Join our SUMMER SOULstice Wooshop on June 22nd (Early bird price until June 15th).
Register here: https://elenadeutsch931.lpages.co/soulstice-wooshop-june-2025/
 
Follow
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/ 
Instagram: www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw
Web: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com 
 
References
Kristin Neff, Self-compassion

How Challenges Can Help You Expand and Grow

What is the nature of human existence?
What are challenges?  
What if challenges are opportunities to help you grow past your conditioning and habitual responses?
 
These very light questions 🤣 and how you can use challenges to expand and grow are the topic of this solo episode! 
What if challenges are a chance for you to CLARIFY your VALUES and DESIRES?
Listen in to shift the way you think so you can move through the hard stuff more easily and expand your capacity for more joy, alignment and pleasure.
See how your challenges can become opportunities to become the person who has moved through the difficulties, into a new identity.
This mini thought-provoking episode can help you deep-dive your own challenges and how they can transport you towards a greater YOU.
The WILL Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst.  This podcast is more than a good listen — it may inspire you.  As WILL Alumni and Guests break the confines of traditional practice, you’ll see that change is not just possible for them, but for you too. 
 
Feel stuck, unhappy and ready to explore a WILL journey of your own?
Book your consultation with Elena: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call
 
Follow
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/ 
Instagram: www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw

From Law to Style: Estelle Winsett’s Journey

Imagine being a little kid and building your daily outfits around giant hair bows! 
Imagine having part of your soul die while in law school, putting your head down and grinding it out.
Imagine, being told by your future husband, that you always wear black.
Estelle Winsett takes us on a journey from her childhood exuberant self, to a staid lawyer until she rediscovered her love of style and what it can do for women lawyers.
As an attorney who practiced in multiple arenas - from litigation to universities and firm professional development roles, she knows how important it is for women lawyers to be taken seriously, without being TOO serious.  And how their personal style can speak for them without saying a word.
At the bottom line of what Estelle does is help women accept who they are and shine!.
This episode of the WILL Podcast might help you up your delight in how you dress to best represent yourself. 
 
Where to find Estelle:
Website: https://estellewinsett.com
Click here to book a call with her: bit.ly/Stylecall
Powerhouse Facebook Group: bit.ly/powerhousestyle (Free private FB Group)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/estellewinsett
IG: https://www.instagram.com/estellewinsett
https://www.tiktok.com/@estellewinsettstyle
 
Show notes:   
Interests can turn into income: Jenny McKee’s Episode - From Lawyer to Astrologer: The Path to Authenticity

How to Step into Your Fullest Expression with Creator of Interconnected Us, Rachel Clar

Imagine you’re in a workplace where you know you’re not capitalizing on the best of what you have to offer. You're a creative relationship-builder and feel stymied by the billable hour.  Your current workplace isn't cutting it.
You’re working in law, but not doing work that’s aligned with your values and making a difference in the lives of others.  
Sound familiar?
Rachel Clar's journey out of law started when she realized that a traditional law environment “created a rage inside”. She knew she wasn't living her fullest expression.
In order to venture from her soul, she utilized her natural curiosity to:
Leverage her strength in networking to build connections.
Develop self-awareness, confidence and respect.
Deconstruct fear-based perfectionism and workaholism.
It was at this point that she cracked the code from the inside and founded Interconnected Us, to help women lawyers:
Optimize their network.
Go from invisible to making waves.
Look inward and around themselves to facilitate core inner work.
Listen in as Rachel talks through her journey from unhappy lawyer to aligned and mission-driven entrepreneur!
 
Connect with Rachel
Website: https://www.interconnectedus.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelclar/
 
The WILL Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst.  This podcast is more than a good listen — it may inspire you.  As WILL Alumni and Guests break the confines of traditional practice, you’ll see that change is not just possible for them, but for you too. 
 
Feel stuck, unhappy and ready to explore a WILL journey of your own?
Book your consultation with Elena: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call
 
Follow
Web: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/ 
Instagram: www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw
 
References
Self Compassion by Krisin Neff: https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/Self_Compassion/PDAEzLL9mscC?hl=en&gbpv=1&pg=PT1&printsec=frontcover

Breakdown, Boundaries & Breakthroughs: Meredith's Journey

Imagine a lifetime of pressure, conditioning and the internal critic saying: “work harder” “be perfect” and “you’re not good enough.”
 
This is on top of having a brain tumor and near death experience at 17, then losing your father at age 26.
 
Add in a lawyer practice in big law and the pressure to perform which ultimately leads to a breaking point. In desperation, you search  “Career coaches for women lawyers” on Google in the hope of finding relief.
 
Imagine the very day you have your consultation with Elena, there’s a panel of WILL Alumni talking about taking a leave of absence - and you enroll on the spot.
 
Meredith Eng generously shares her WILL journey with all the lows and highs including:
How witnessing the vulnerability of other women lawyers gave her relief.
Her decision to live a ‘full and expressive life’ while floating in the ocean.
How she decided to take a big leap and leave big law BEFORE finding her right fit role.
Mostly, hear from Meredith about how she learned to set boundaries and finally decide that her life is worth putting first.
 
Connect with Meredith
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mereditheng/
Instagram: @mereditheeng
 
The WILL Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst.  This podcast is more than a good listen — it may inspire you.  As WILL Alumni and Guests break the confines of traditional practice, you’ll see that change is not just possible for them, but for you too. 
Feel stuck, unhappy and ready to explore a WILL journey of your own?
 
Book your consultation with Elena: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call
 
Follow
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/ 
Instagram: www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw
Web: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com 
 
References
Wilder A. Clements
Wilder A. Clements brings experienced and value-driven counsel to purpose-driven businesses and organizations with challenging employment law questions.
Clements Employment Law https://www.clementsemploymentlaw.com/
 
WILL Transform
Meredith chose the Transform VIP program, which included 1:1 coaching with Elena Deutsch. The WILL Transform Program is a comprehensive 6-month program designed specifically for busy women lawyers. It provides the support you need to make a meaningful career change. Learn more here: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/services/
 
WILL Mastermind
Based on the book 'Burnout', by the Nagoski Sisters
About understanding burnout with activities around this.
 
WILL Creator's Circle
The Creator’s Circle - a small-group journey through The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron led by Elena Deutsch.  The Creators Circle opens one time per year.  It’s open to both lawyers, former lawyers and non-lawyers.  
 
WILL Evolve
Continuation program for WILL Alum, to support their ongoing journey
and to avoid backsliding.
 
WILL Podcast
Boundary Practice episode
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/boundary-setting-practice-for-women-lawyers/id1781037581?i=1000679460040.
 
Jessica Meddina
Financial councillor that helps lawyers create financial plans.
Works closely with WILL members.
https://www.jessicamedinallc.com.
 
Helena Bonham Carter, poetryhttps://www.instagram.com/reel/C5qXDx4oOnx/
 
One precious life
Book of poems called ‘This Wild and Precious Life: A Journal’ by Mary Oliver.
https://www.amazon.com/This-Wild-Precious-Life-Journal/dp/0593580281.
 
Jenny McKee
A WILL Alum that switched from lawyer to being an astrologer.
Her astrology website is Sky Whispers Astrology and she is available for readings.
https://skywhispersastrology.com.
 
Anne Marie Segal
Master the Interview, by Anne Marie Segal.

Roundabout Way from Law Into End-of-Life Planning

Imagine practicing law and realizing that as your supposedly indestructible office plant is dying, part of you is too. 
You fear making a change because of all you’ve invested in your education, financially and time-wise.
Imagine having exploratory conversations that lead you full circle from your dying plant to your career as a Death Doula and End-of-Life Planner ⚰️.
Listen in as Marni Blank describes her ‘round-about’ journey and how she:
Proved she could take that leap to start off as an entrepreneur.
Utilized her skills as a lawyer in order to do what she loves in business.
Shifted her mindset to feeling confident that she could figure out what to do (even while not knowing).
 
Connect with Marni
Website: https://beginwiththeend.co
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marni-blank-esq-a335b28/ 
 
The WILL Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst.  This podcast is more than a good listen — it may inspire you.  As WILL Alumni and Guests break the confines of traditional practice, you’ll see that change is not just possible for them, but for you too. 
 
Feel stuck, unhappy and ready to explore a WILL journey of your own?
Book your consultation with Elena: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call
 
Follow
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/ 
Instagram: www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw
Web: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com 
 
References
Eat, Pray, Love is a memoir written in 2006 by Elizabeth Gilbert. It tells the
story of a woman who embarks on a spiritual quest overseas to find inner peace and love.
 
The Death Deck, The Conversation Project https://thedeathdeck.com/ 
The Conversation Project - Have You Had The Conversation?
 
Takeaways
Grounding practices can enhance presence in conversations.
Transitioning from law to entrepreneurship can be challenging but rewarding.
Financial concerns often hinder career changes, but mental health is paramount.
Personal experiences can significantly influence career paths.
Death Doulas provide emotional, practical, and spiritual support.
Planning for end-of-life wishes is crucial for families.
Not all Death Doulas have the same focus or services.
It's important to have conversations about death and planning with loved ones.
Being prepared can alleviate stress during difficult times.
The role of a death doula can vary widely based on individual practice. It's important to have practical plans in place for end-of-life situations.
Conversations about death should be normalized within families.
Organizing digital life is crucial for ensuring a smooth transition for loved ones.
Legal skills can be leveraged in non-traditional career paths.
Embracing change can lead to personal growth and fulfillment.
Life is short; prioritize what brings you joy and meaning.
Creating legacy projects can help families remember their loved ones.
Progress over perfection is key in planning and organization.
Engaging in conversations about death can strengthen family bonds.
Being prepared can alleviate stress for loved ones during difficult times.
 

Navigating Twists and Turns Towards a New Career

Imagine being pregnant, parenting a toddler and working full time, while knowing your legal job was NOT one you could continue in. 
Even with everything else going on in her life, Leah Frankel joined WILL, and treated it like another top priority.
Leah tackled her experience with curiosity, openness and candor.
Listen in as she talks through:
Her time in WILL Transform and how she treated it as a top priority.
All of her twists and turns that included three big potential career ideas.
How she mastered building connections on LinkedIn, bringing her closer to her dream job.
 
Socials:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-frankel/
 
References
WILL Transform is a six-month comprehensive program designed to help you clarify your career direction and be on the path to achieve it.  
It includes:
Personal Coaching: 1:1 private coaching, either with Elena or one of the WILL Coaches.
Community Support: Structured opportunities to connect with like-minded women lawyers in our supportive WILL Community.  Enjoy 2x month LIVE Community Calls with Elena, and continue to expand your network in our PRIVATE virtual Member & Alumni group (to which you get lifetime access!)
On-Demand Course and LIVE Learning:  Be guided step-by-step through the WILL Transform course, to which you have 24/7 access, plus LIVE workshops, and calls with Guest Speakers and WILL Alumni
Anne Marie Segal https://annemariesegal.com/trusted-professionals/
The 4th Floor organisation, New York https://www.careergroupcompanies.com/fourth-floor 
 
The WILL Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst.  This podcast is more than a good listen — it may inspire you.  As WILL Alumni and Guests break the confines of traditional practice, you’ll see that change is not just possible for them, but for you too. 
Feel stuck, unhappy and ready to explore a WILL journey of your own?
Book your consultation with Elena: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call
 
Follow
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/ 
Instagram: www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw
Web: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com 

How to NOT Fall Asleep with Your Phone by Your Head

Is falling asleep with your phone in your hand happening all too often?
Do you find yourself doomscrolling or numbing out for hours on socials?
You’re not alone. 
Cell phone addiction is a challenge that we’re all dealing with. 
In this short episode, I share my struggles and offer:
An honest understanding of phone addiction
The effect it has on our brains
A framework for how to manage it, called ‘The four Ds’
Want to figure out what you stand to gain by putting the phone down?
Listen to this episode.
 
References
Trigger Warning: Anxiety, mental health. Elena is not a licensed mental health professional. If you are experiencing significant anxiety, then we recommend talking to a health professional. 
 
The Drew Barrymore Show - with guest, Gwyneth Paltrow: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6eBWhofqS8.
Dan Harris, Founder of 10% Happier and book of the same name.
Creator's Circle exercise from The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron.
 
The WILL Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst.  This podcast is more than a good listen — it may inspire you.  As WILL Alumni and Guests break the confines of traditional practice, you’ll see that change is not just possible for them, but for you too. 
Feel stuck, unhappy and ready to explore a WILL journey of your own?
Book your consultation with Elena: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call
 
Follow
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/ 
Instagram: www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw
Web: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com

Highs & Lows: Navigating Motherhood & Legal Career with Erin Cowling

Imagine you're a litigation #lawyer at a #biglaw firm, progressing towards partner.
 
You get married, become pregnant with your first, then second child, and take your
maternity leaves.
 
When you return to work, you find most of your files given away, and you are faced with building up your caseload all over again.
 
But before you can do that, your firm merges with another firm and you are let go. In a panic you accept the first job offer you get.
 
Then one day in the doctor’s office, pregnant with child number three, you break down in tears, diagnosed with depression and immediately know what needs to change.
 
What would you do?
 
Erin Cowling's story hits all these highs and lows, including:
The identity dilemma of working as a lawyer
Being a working mom while trying to build your legal career
Anxiety that’s becoming so common for lawyers
Tune in to find out what happened after the doctor’s visit!
 
Erin Cowling is the author of The Modern Freelance Lawyer.
Book launches on June 8th 2025 (paperback & e-book) and June 19th for hardcover. 
Order your copy here: https://www.cowlinglegal.com/book.html
 
Connect with Erin
Web: www.flexlegalnetwork.com
Instagram: @erinccowling
 
Trigger Warning: Anxiety, mental health. Elena is not a licensed mental health professional. If you are experiencing significant anxiety, then we recommend talking to a health professional. 
 
The WILL Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst.  This podcast is more than a good listen — it may inspire you.  As WILL Alumni and Guests break the confines of traditional practice, you’ll see that change is not just possible for them, but for you too. 
Feel stuck, unhappy and ready to explore a WILL journey of your own?
Book your consultation with Elena: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call
 
Follow
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/ 
Instagram: www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw
Web: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com